Free range only means that the animals have ACCESS to the outdoors (it could be one small door to the outdoors in a large coop); it does not necessarily mean that the animals feed on grass as opposed to corn meal.

Natural means only no artificial ingredients or added color; it does not mean no antibiotics or no hormones.

Grass-fed does not necessarily mean no antibiotics

Animal Welfare Approved means no antibiotics are used for growth promotion or disease prevention, but may be used to treat sick animals.

Certified Humane means no antibiotics are used for growth promotion or disease prevention.

No antibiotics means no antibiotics used at all, including no antibiotics for treatment.

Look here for report card of most and least pesticide contaminated fruits and vegetables (Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen)

Water filter for the kitchen sink (Consumer Reports. 2/12. 44-45; 5/10. 33-35; 5/07. 38-40). To choose a water filter effective for specific contaminants (based upon testing of your water supply), go here and search for “water filters.”

Medication Savings

Don't always use your health insurance, as some chains and big-box stores offer generics for as little as $10 for a 90 day supply, which may be less than the co-pay with insurance.

Seek a 90-day prescription for maintenance medications

If paying cash, always ask if the store can offer a better price (and independent pharmacies often have flexibility in this regard). Use the websites Blink Health or GoodRx to learn the "fair price" of a medication.

Note that prices are often higher at chain pharmacies than at big-box stores or independents

To see whether a drug maker offers discounts for an expensive medication check the web site of the manufacturer or go to medicare.gov/pharmaceutical-assistance-program

Note that on Consumer Reports surveys, Costco often offers the best price, and you don't need to be a member to use its pharmacy.

If you use an internet pharmacy, use only those which clearly display the VIPPS symbol, which indicates that it is a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site.

Check nabp.net to find accredited sites.

BEWARE that sites which refer to themselves as "Canadian" are often not Canadian, and may be selling counterfeit products.

DEET on exposed skin or over clothing, but not under clothing. Look for products with 15-30% DEET, as testing has shown that products with > 30% DEET are no more effective (Consumer Reports. July 2015. Pg. 35; August 2005. Pg. 6).

Permethrin sprayed on clothing is effective for up to two weeks (Consumer Reports on Health. 8/04).

Resources

Consumer Reports for information on environmentally friendly and economical products, as well as groups that accept broken products; and here (by subscription) for information on over 60 common and serious medical conditions.